Ashwini Kumaras :
The Ashwini twins are two Vedic deities, twin sons of the Sun or the sky and Sanjana . At the moment of impregnation Sanjana had assumed the shape of a horse . That is why this lunar constellation is called horse woman . They were the eternal youth, handsome, bright, of golden brilliance, agile, swift and assume many forms . Ashwinis were also the physicians of the gods, a kind and generous deities who bring health and offer miracle cures to people . They are the most energetic and joyuous among the gods . Their qualities relate to youth, beauty, light and speed, duality, the creative power and benevolent deeds . Dasra is a synonym for the elder of the
Ashwini twins and to both of them when expressed in duality . In this sense Dasra means beautiful . They are also called Nasatya , the savior . Their negative character which is a result of the alliance of light and darkness is espressed by `Dasra ‘ , the destroyer and `Nasatya ‘ the untruthful . In some versions they jointly marry Savitri the daughter of Surya , the Sun God . Other myths say that they married the ten rays of the Sun, Surya ‘ s daughters again .
They were that rarest of heroes, intellectuals who could act decisively and swiftly . It is interesting that they are the power of movement itself , so speedy and firm . They used their great knowledge to help not only the gods, but also to alleviate the human suffering . The extent of their strength is unimaginable . The Ashwinis chose compassion over everything and healed countless lame people and restored sight the blind . They had the ability to restore youth and vigor to the aged and decrepit .
Some people have translated their name to be Horsemen from Ashwa the horse, which they ride . The horse is a symbol of the life breath energy or prana , and it indicates the Ashwinis ‘ perfect control over the breath as well as explains their dazzling speed .
The word Ashwini was explained by the ancient commentator, Yaska, as being derived from a root word which means, `to fill everything’ . One of the twins pervades the universe with Light , the other with Moisture.
The Twins symbolised the advent of the dawn and the transient stage between night and break of light . They are the luminal deities, the spiritual strength which enables man to transcend the conscious mind in their quest for truth . They are resonant with light . They are the incarnation of joy, laughter, action, determination, intelligence and compassion .